National Without A Scalpel Day

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Mar 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
National Without A Scalpel Day is the day for you to know more about the process of hemostatic cutting

Where is National Without A Scalpel Day celebrated?

National Without A Scalpel Day is celebrated annually in the United States.

Who is National Without A Scalpel Day celebrated by?

National Without A Scalpel Day is celebrated by medical experts, researchers, and people who have benefited from the scalpel-less procedure.

When did National Without A Scalpel Day first start?

National Without A Scalpel Day was first celebrated on January 16, 2015.

Who started National Without A Scalpel Day?

The Interventional Initiative started the National Without A Scalpel Day to raise awareness about a new effective procedure that doesn’t leave lifelong scars.

History And Timeline

Scalpels have been part of medical history for centuries. Before proper scalpels were invented, surgery was performed with sharp tools such as shark teeth, bamboo shoots, and fingernails. Over the years this medical instrument has undergone many changes, ancient scalpels were made with silver and bronze while modern scalpels are made of stainless steel.

{timeline}

Hippocrates Surgical Knife

Hippocrates, the father of medicine first proposed the idea of the scalpel tool which he compared to the sword to operate on the patients.

400 BC

Scallepellus

In Rome Celcus and Gelan were known to use sword-like cutting instruments to repair tendons, incisions and they named the tool 'scallepellus'.

First CE

Surgical Scalpels

Morgan Parker patented the two-piece scalpel design and Bard-Parker developed the method of cold sterilization to prevent the blade from becoming dull.

1915

First Angioplasty

Dr. Charles Dotter performed the first-ever surgery without the scalpel using imaging techniques to treat the artery without amputating the leg of the patient.

1964

National Without A Scalpel Day

On January 16, 2015, Interventional Initiative created the National Without A Scalpel Day to raise awareness about revolutionary MIIP in medical procedures.

January 16, 2015

Traditions And Customs

Traditionally surgeries were performed with scalpels. During the surgeries sometimes body parts were amputated because of infections. The cuts and wounds used to take lots of time to heal. The injuries caused by a scalpel can be fatal. In 2001, 7-8 % of people got scalpel injuries.

The MIIP has a revolutionary impact, with no long surgery, amputated body, cuts, stitches, and infections. In recent times because of awareness spread by observing National Without A Scalpel Day many people are now opting for this safer option.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Without A Scalpel Day

Educate your family members and friends about the scalpel-less procedure that can save them from big wounds and stitches that take a really long time to heal.

Sometimes scalpels can lead to infections in the injured body part. Spread awareness about the day and the features of the surgery that is relatively safe and easy to recover from.

Donate to the medical organizations.

Facts And Stats

  • Interventional Initiative has produced a documentary series called ‘Without A Scalpel’ on the occasion of National Without A Scalpel Day to raise awareness.
  • It is not an official holiday, though it is regarded as an important day.
  • Dr. Charles Dotter who gets the credit of this day performed the surgery by opening blood vessels using dilating catheters, hence the process known as ‘Dottering’.

How can we observe National Without A Scalpel Day?

Observe National Without A Scalpel Day by reading about the history of the scalpel and raising awareness about the cut-free procedure.

 

What is the significance of National Without A Scalpel Day?

The day celebrates the medical advancement when surgery without a major cut and stitches was performed with the help of MIIP.

How do I prepare for a no-scalpel treatment?

No-Scalpel treatments are cut free and no major wounds and stitches are required in the process. However, always consult your doctor and share your medical history to avoid any sort of risk or infection.

How long does it take to recover from a no-scalpel treatment?

Usually it takes two days to a week for a full recovery. It also depends upon the patient’s health (weak immune system, obesity, low hemoglobin).

What is the history and origin of National Without A Scalpel Day?

On this date in 1964, Dr. Charless performed the first angioplasty surgery without using a scalpel to cut the leg using MIIP creating medical history.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, January 16, 2020
  • Saturday, January 16, 2021
  • Sunday, January 16, 2022
  • Monday, January 16, 2023
  • Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

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Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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